10-year-old girl killed, woman seriously injured in boating incident on Harris Lake

MONCURE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man is facing charges after a 10-year-old was killed and a woman was injured in a boating incident in Chatham County on Saturday.

Authorities said the incident happened at Harris Lake.

According to the NC Wildlife Resource Commission (WRC), a 10-year-old girl was killed and a woman was severely injured.

The woman was airlifted to the hospital, where authorities said her left leg was amputated.

Investigators said they believe 40-year-old Quinten Kight was operating a wake boat, pulling a tube behind, circling around, and drove the boat into a group of three swimmers, causing the injuries and death.

Kight was charged with felony boating while impaired and misdemeanor boating while impaired.

Investigators said they don't believe the girl killed and the woman injured are related, but that they were swimming together as part of a group at the lake.

ABC11 spoke with boaters at Harris Lake on Sunday afternoon, many of whom expressed concern over the tragic incident.

"It's just heartbreaking to hear that a family lost their child out here yesterday," said Kate Schnier, who has been boating regularly on Harris Lake with her husband for more than a decade.

Schnier said it's a sad reminder of the safety precautions that need to be taken when out on the water.

"There's all different kinds of people out on the lake. Oh. At all times of the day. So you have to be aware of your surroundings and look all over when you're on a boat," she said.

ABC11 was unable to reach family and friends of the girl killed. Investigators said

Kight is being held at the Chatham County Jail, pending a court appearance. Authorities said they're awaiting the results of a blood draw conducted on Kight after the incident.

Chatham County Sheriff's Office released on a statement on the case:

"Our community is grieving the tragic loss of a 10-year-old child and the critical injury of a woman after they were struck by a boat at Harris Lake over the weekend.

While the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation, the Chatham County sheriff's Office is assisting as needed and remains committed to supporting both our partners and the families affected. We are also working closely with the District Attorney's Office as the case moves forward.

"This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable," said Sheriff Mike Roberson. "Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever."

The Sheriff added, "We ask the public to keep the families and loved ones of those involved in your thoughts and prayers. We are also grateful to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded swiftly and courageously in an incredibly difficult situation."

For information about the ongoing investigation, please contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

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